It’s become more and more clear that mental health is an important part of overall health, and therapy can be a valuable tool for improving mental health. But how many people in the United States actually see a therapist? And how many people in Colorado saw a therapist in Denver or another city?
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, in 2020, 20.3% of U.S. adults received any mental health treatment in the past 12 months. This includes both medication and therapy. So, that means that about 1 in 5 adults in the United States saw a therapist or took medication for their mental health in the past year.
And in Colorado, an estimated 620,000 adults (12.8%) received mental health services in the same year.
Of course, this number doesn’t tell the whole story. For example, it doesn’t include people who saw a therapist but didn’t report it to the survey. It also doesn’t include people who self-treated their mental health problems without seeing a professional.
So, it’s likely that the actual number of people who see a therapist in the United States is higher than 20.3%. But even if it’s not, that’s still a lot of people who could benefit from therapy.
Things to know before you start therapy
If you’re thinking about seeing a therapist, there are a few things you should know. First, therapy is confidential. This means that your therapist can’t share anything you say to them with anyone else without your permission.
Second, therapy is not a sign of weakness. It’s a sign of strength. It takes courage to admit that you need help, and it takes even more courage to actually go and get it.
Third, therapy doesn’t have to be expensive. There are many therapists who offer sliding-scale fees, and there are also many government programs that can help you pay for therapy. While we don’t take Medicare at My Denver Therapy, there are many therapists in Colorado who do.
If you’re struggling with your mental health, don’t be afraid to reach out for help. Therapy can be a valuable tool for improving your mental health and overall well-being.
Here are some additional tips for finding a therapist:
- Ask your friends, family, or doctor for recommendations.
- Search online for therapists in Denver on Google or Google Maps.
- Read reviews of therapists on websites like Psychology Today.
- Schedule a consultation with a few different therapists to see who you feel most comfortable with.
Remember, therapy is a journey, and it takes time to find the right therapist for you. But it’s worth it in the end.
